Ambulances targeted by thieves in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle

AMBULANCES have been targeted by thieves who have pinched vital navigation equipment – and even the blue lights.

Yobs have targeted the emergency vehicles while they have been outside patients' homes and even the city's A&E department.

Now families who have needed to call on West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) for emergencies say the thieves are putting people's lives at risk.

Information obtained by The Sentinel through a Freedom of Information request to WMAS has revealed that items stolen include satellite navigation screens, emergency response bags containing medical equipment and even the blue strip lights from the emergency vehicles.

Some thefts even occurred while paramedics were in a patient's home providing treatment.

WMAS spokesman, John Hawker, labelled the actions of thieves as "outrageous".

He said: "Stealing lifesaving equipment from an emergency vehicle, especially whilst a patient is being treated is truly outrageous.

"Ambulances that have equipment stolen have to be taken off the road for repairs which could have a life threatening effect on patients as there will be one less vehicle to respond.

"It is clear that the people who commit such despicable crimes have no concept that it could be one of their loved ones who is affected by their actions.

"The Trusts works with the police to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on anyone who steal emergency equipment."

Figures reveal there have been seven reported thefts from ambulances since 2010 in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle.

And those who have needed to call on paramedics have also slammed the actions of thieves.

Debbie Stringer's son, Phil, suffered a broken back during a rugby match.

The 50-year-old, who runs The Sutherland Arms pub in Stoke, said: "I am surprised that people are targeting ambulances and I just can't believe someone would do that. I am sure they would take a different view on stealing from an ambulance if they needed paramedics.

"When my son Phil suffered his injury he really needed the ambulance service and for me it just beggars belief that thieves would put people's lives at risk.

Mandy Buckett's son Thomas was saved by the ambulance service when he fell 15ft through a roof.

He has since needed paramedics due to his brain injury.

Mandy, aged 47, of Clayton, said: "Since Tom's accident we have raised money for Staffordshire BASICS doctors who do such a good job. Tom raised £1,000 to help them buy equipment.

"We are fortunate that where we are, we are not too far from the ambulance base. But it is really worrying to hear that people are trying to steal the sat navs from the vehicles.

To the person or persons concerned i hope from my heart that a member of your family or friends will never need the ambulance service because whilst those ambulances were being refitted with new lights and navigation systems they were off the road when they could have been saving lives so i hope you think about what you have done and find some remorse in your actions.